A man desperately wants to meet the CEO of the company he is working for in order to gain full-time employment in the quirky short comedy Intern by Elena Viklova.
Ever so often, we at Screen Critix get to see a filmmaker who shows so much promise that we just have a feeling they will go onto big things. In our full thirteen years of reviewing independent shorts and features, we can honestly say that only a handful of auteurs have grabbed our attention and refused to let go, especially after seeing just one of their films. After viewing Intern, we can confidently place Elena Viklova in the category of directors who will likely forge out a successful career.
From the very first shot, we knew we were watching something special. Opening on a long shot over some cubicles in an office, we then start to creep in with a zoom onto Seth (Isaac Jay) as he talks to himself as if role-playing an interview he believes is about to happen at the end of the working day. Seth, like the others in his office, is an intern hoping for full-time employment. After talking to the manager, he is told that the “higher-ups” will call him for the interview, but he realizes that he doesn’t have a telephone. He then, desperately, tries to get in contact with the CEO, including waiting outside a secured door that leads to the more private offices belonging to the permanent employees.
After seeing his file of ideas binned by a snooty secretary (Arianna Papalexopoulos), a dejected Seth heads back to his cubicle – his tail between his legs. Then a telephone rings, and after answering it, Seth excitedly heads into the elevator for his chance to impress the elusive CEO.
Intern is such a well-made short film, that you can’t help but be impressed by the imagination, talent, and effort involved in creating it. The performances by all, especially Isaac Jay, are all en pointe, and it was also great to see Richard Riehle pop up as the CEO. You will recognize Riehle from such movies as Casino, Office Space, Halloween II (Rob Zombie version), Free Willy, and Black Rain. He has over 400 credits to his name.
Graded like a David Fincher film, Intern has a green hue that is reminiscent of Zodiac and The Social Network merged with The Matrix, but it is framed like a Wes Anderson film. It’s a crazy combination but it really works. The audio is well done throughout too, with every line of dialogue crisp, and the sound effects and music used brilliantly – see the use of Nessun Dorma during one scene which can’t help but make you smile.
Intern is a must-watch short film that highlights the potential and promise of all involved, especially Elena Viklova. We can’t wait to see her career progress, and we are excited to see what she does next.